Subcortical structures of the Brain

Basal nuclei, limbic system and diencephalon

What are the main subcortical structures? (3)

Basal nuclei

What subcortical structure is lateral to the thalamus and surrounds the internal capsule ?

Limbic system

What subcortical structure encircles the thalamus and extends into the temporal lobes ?

Diencephalon

What subcortical structure is around the 3rd ventricle at the core of the brain?

Caudate nucleus, put an em, globes pallidus, subthalmic nucleus and substantia nigra

Components of the basal nuclei (5)

Hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, amygdala, maxillary bodies, anterior thalamaic nucleus, parahippocampal gyrus and subcallosal gyrus

Components of the limbic system (7)

Influences ANS, endocrine secretions and emotional behaviour

What is the function of the limbic system?

Thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalamus

Components of the diencephalon (3)

Mediates emotional response and arousal

What is the function of the thalamus?

Spinothalamic tract and medial lemniscus

Where does the VPL receive sensory information from?

Anterior trigeminothalamic tract and trigeminal lemniscus

Where does the VPM receive sensory information from?

Cochlear nuclei through the inferior colliculus

Where does the MGN receive sensory information from?

Optic nerve

Where does the LGN receive sensory information from?

VPN, VPL, MGN, LGN

What are the sensory relay nuclei of the thalamus? (4)

Ventral anterior and ventral lateral

What are the motor nuclei of the thalamus? (2)

Basal ganglia and cerebellum

Where do the motor relay nuclei of the thalamus receive information from?

Hypothalamus

What structure is located at the floor of the diencephalon and attached to the pituitary at the ventral side ?

Main homeostatic centre, secretes hormones

What is the function of the hypothalamus ?

Epithalamus

What structure is located at the roof of the diencephalon and consists of the pineal gland and habenular nucleus?

Plays role in circadian rhythms

Function of the pineal gland

Integration of olfactory, visceral and somatic efferent pathways

Function of the habenular nucleus